Buenos Aires Taught Me How To Think Past Review
By A student (University of Minnesota - Twin Cities) for
Study Abroad Programs in Argentina
It was definitely worthwhile, but my specific program left a lot to be desired. The understandings I gained had mostly to do with myself and what I found interesting. I made some good friends but took the opportunity as a time to selfishly do exactly what I wanted to do. I learned how important communication skills are--especially non-verbal--as well as how different cultures view politics, their economy, and their leisure time. It made me appreciate many aspects of American culture and also made me feel very fortunate to have experienced so many things that were unique to Buenos Aires.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The academics were not challenging compared to my home university, though the cultural education I received was one of a kind. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
They were supportive but generally hands-off. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My roommates were awful. And no one spoke to Spanish to one another. But living in the apart-hotel was a great way to get immersed in the culture. |
| * Food: |
Best. Steak. Ever. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We took trips to estancias (ranches) and I took trips on my own throughout the country and region; it was wonderful. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Aside from getting jumped once, everything was fine. To be fair, we were in Buenos Aires, a large metropolitan city, so a little bit of jumping is to be expected. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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Finances
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* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?
(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I did not participate in a home stay, but if I had, I would've become fluent in Spanish for sure. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | DO IT. There is no other time in your life when you can pick up and go, and get credit for it. I've been out of school for 3 years and quit my job to travel for 8 months, which was fantastic, but it wasn't the same. Do it do it do it. And take pictures and try every kind of food and drink you can get your hands on. |
